Top 5 Stories Of The Day | NLC Insists on Ultimatum as Workers Struggle Despite ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government remains in force, citing rising petrol prices and workers’ worsening economic hardship despite the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

NLC president Joe Ajaero made the position known in Abuja on Monday, urging the government to ease the cost of living and begin fresh wage negotiations rather than wait for strikes or protests.

However, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume called for a balance between workers’ demands for better pay and the government’s financial capacity, warning against avoidable industrial disputes.

Nigeria’s passport has fallen to 181st place out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, down from 90th in July 2026, highlighting a sharp decline in travel freedom.

According to IziVisa, Nigerians can enter 24 countries without a visa, obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries, and use electronic visas to visit 43 others. The visa-free figure has dropped from 44 destinations recorded in July.

The index measures passports by the number of destinations holders can access without prior visa approval. The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 ranking, offering access to 185 destinations through various visa arrangements.

Nigerian Afrofusion star Burna Boy will headline Rolling Loud India 2026 alongside American producer Metro Boomin. The two-day hip-hop festival will take place in Mumbai on December 12 and 13, marking Burna Boy’s first performance in India.

British rapper Skepta and Punjabi singer Karan Aujla will lead the second day, while Big Sean, GoldLink and Dhanda Nyoliwala are among the other opening-day performers. ScHoolboy Q and Indian duo Seedhe Maut will also feature.

Rolling Loud made its Indian debut in 2025, attracting over 65,000 fans. The 2026 venue is yet to be announced, but tickets are available through District.

US singer and actress Selena Gomez has revealed that heavy vaping has changed her voice, as she opens up about her struggle to quit nicotine.

In an Instagram Story, Gomez admitted that quitting had been difficult but warned others against taking up the habit. She said she was glad to have stopped and hoped to remain vape-free, describing vaping as not worth the consequences.

In September 2024, Gomez revealed she had taken a break from music to prepare for her role in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical film.

Nigerian content creator Bae U Barbie has invited billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote to feature on his YouTube show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, arguing that younger audiences need more access to the industrialist.

Bae U said many of Dangote’s interviews appeared on platforms young Nigerians rarely watch, despite their interest in investing in his business and its planned initial public offering.

Responding to the invitation, Dangote said young people represented Nigeria’s future and stressed the need for older generations to share their experiences with them. He also admitted that his generation had not done enough for Nigeria and Africa, calling for more conversations between young and older citizens.

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